Japan Nuclear Disaster Caused Mutated Butterflies, Researchers Report

The mutations are one of the first indications of change to the local ecosystem as a result of last year's nuclear accident in Fukushima, according to one of the first studies on the genetic effects of the incident.

TOKYO — Researchers in Japan have found signs of mutation in butterflies, signaling one of the first indications of change to the local ecosystem as a result of last year's nuclear accident in Fukushima, according to one of the first studies on the genetic effects of the incident.

Joji Otaki from the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, who led the research, collected 144 commonly-found pale grass blue butterflies two months after the March 2011 accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant.
Initial results indicated that roughly 12 percent of the butterflies showed signs of abnormalities, such as disfigurement in their antennas, smaller-sized wings, change in color patterns and indented eyes, Otaki said.

Even more alarming, when he collected another 238 samples six months later he found that those abnormalities had increased to 28 percent and the mutations had doubled to 52 percent in their offspring.

Dallas Mayor Declares WNV Emergency

DALLAS, Texas - Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said the city is facing a West Nile virus emergency, CNN reports.

WNV has killed at least 14 people in Texas and 26 nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevenetion. The Dallas delcaration clears the way for aerial spraying to kill the infected mosquitos, according to CNN.

The U.S. is experiencing its biggest spike in WNV activity since 2004, with 241 cases of the disease reported across the United States. Of the 42 states that have reported infections in people, birds or mosquitoes, 80 percent have been in Texas, CNN reported.

"It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years," said Marc Fischer, a CDC medical epidemiologist. "Regardless of the reasons for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile virus activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their family."

Additionally, PCT would like to know what you think of Facebook. How important of a business tool is Facebook? Which of your promotions have been successful/not successful (or what have you learned from these experiences)? Do you receive quality leads from FB?

WNV Death Reported in Texas

A Fort Worth resident in his 80s with underlying medical conditions has died of illness caused by West Nile virus, the second such fatality in Tarrant County this year, the Fort-Worth Telegram reported.

FORT WORTH -- A Fort Worth resident in his 80s with underlying medical conditions has died of illness caused by West Nile virus, the second such fatality in Tarrant County this year, the Fort-Worth Telegram reported.

In Dallas County, a 10th death related to the virus was also reported.

Tarrant County has 159 confirmed human cases of the virus, a higher rate per capita than Dallas County, where 190 human cases have been reported.

Tarrant County commissioners are scheduled to hear an update on the virus at their meeting today.

Last week Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins declared a public health emergency because of the outbreak, which allows the county to seek a disaster declaration from the state while also requesting resources to help control the virus. Ground spraying for mosquitoes was to begin Monday night in the northern part of Dallas County, where most infections have been reported. The city of Dallas has been ground-spraying since June. County and city officials continue to debate aerial spraying.

How to manage pests within a housing community using strategies that pose no risk or minimum risk of pesticide exposure to vulnerable, sensitive and disabled populations, including infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chemical sensitivities.

The major health risks posed by common pests, including the connection between asthma, cockroach and mouse allergens.

The biology, behavior and at least two least-toxic control measures for each of the pests covered in the training.

Contacts and solutions when pest control problems develop.

The course is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.The Mid-Atlantic Region office is at 1650 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa.